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Motel spending outpaced forecast as shelter demand rose, staff say
Summary
Officials told the committee the FY26 motel budget was set at about $800,000 but the county had already spent $1.2 million in the first three months; staff expect to need roughly $4 million in motel spending going forward and described diversion and prevention as cost-effective alternatives.
Council members pressed county staff about motel and overflow-shelter spending after SEF presentations showed continued increases in families needing shelter.
Councilmember Merciles cited the FY26 motel budget of about $800,000 and said the county had already spent $1.2 million in the first three months. Deputy Chief Diana Pina confirmed the current motel budget had been fully expended in the first months of the fiscal year and said the county expected it would need about $4,000,000 to meet ongoing motel and overflow demand for the full year.
SEF staff said the county is pursuing diversion strategies and rental-assistance exceptions to reduce inflow into shelters because hotel placements are costly and can make exits to permanent housing more difficult. "A diversion is a really important effort that we are trying to focus on," Diana Pina said, noting that short-term supports of one to three months can be far more cost-effective than shelter stays.
Staff also described how shelters are preparing for hypothermia season, increasing security at overflow locations and requesting supplies and mats to meet demand.
